Egypt decreases power cuts duration as natural gas supplies ramp up

Egyptians on social media corroborated reports of reduced power outage periods, while others complained that power cuts are still hovering around two hours in some areas. 

Egypt's gas supplies, utilized for electricity generation, bounced back as imports from Israel’s Leviathan gas field resumed, as reported by Bloomberg, citing informed sources.

However, Israel is still only supplying 250 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) compared to 800 Mmcf/d before the war on Gaza began, the sources added.

These sources further indicated that gas supplies to fertilizer factories have returned to normal after a brief 30 percent decline. 

Egypt's energy reserves were significantly impacted by Israel's war on Gaza, which led to the cessation of gas supplies from Israel.

In mid-July, the government initiated a nationwide load-shedding programme to alleviate the mounting strain on the country's gas network exacerbated by escalating temperatures, which surged demands for air conditioning.

Amid public outcry, the government, in August, announced daily scheduled power cuts, unveiling a detailed map outlining the timing and duration of power interruptions in each district nationwide. However, various MPs have alleged that the schedule is inconsistent.

Over the past two months, power cuts have shown a declining trend.